Does it actually matter what you pack in your carry-on versus your checked luggage?
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Not always, but there are still a few pointers you might want to keep in mind.
I advocate for sticking to a carry-on when possible (even for two-week trips). However, it’s not always possible, whether due to weather or the reasons for your trip. Maybe you’re traveling for a black-tie event and need extra space for formalwear. Maybe your trip has the potential to extend. Maybe you’re packing for two.
Regardless of the why, it’s important to know what you shouldn’t part with when you decide to check a piece of luggage.
Here’s your crash course on what not to put in a checked bag.
What not to put in a checked bag: 10 things you want with you
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags because they’re prone to overheating. Even high-quality lithium batteries, such as advanced charging banks and laptop batteries, can overheat after light damage. When lithium-ion batteries overheat, they smoke and, in bad cases, can catch fire.
For this reason, airline employees and TSA agents have started inquiring about what devices you have packed in your luggage. From cordless curlers to smartwatches, they’re in many high-tech products. Double-check that you know which items of yours have lithium-ion batteries—they should stay with you in the cabin.
Charging cables
Most travelers know to keep their charging cables, especially smartphone cables, in their carry-ons in case they run out of battery. I’m putting this here because, in the last year alone, I’ve spent close to $100 buying charging cables at the airport.
In case you’re like me and have charging cable blindness, here’s your reminder: bring the cable with you or pay the (surprisingly high) price.
Medications & medical devices
Personal medications and medical devices should always be kept with you. This includes larger devices, such as a CPAP machine. While it’s inconvenient to carry, you’ll be happy that you have everything you need to stay healthy and comfortable in the event your luggage is lost.
OTT medications
I also recommend keeping over-the-counter medications with you on the plane. While you don’t need to pack a full bottle of Tylenol or Advil, consider bringing a travel pack with you, just in case. Aside from pain relievers, consider bringing antacids, allergy medication, diarrhea or constipation remedies, motion sickness cures, and so on.
Basically, bring any OTT medication (in a small amount) that you think you might need in the next few days, with you in your carry-on. While you can sometimes find equivalents at your destination, that’s not always the case.
Plus, if you need to buy OTT medications from the airport for some reason, you’ll be handsomely overcharged, just like with charging cables. I recently bought melatonin at Schiphol Amsterdam, and it was a whopping $28.
Important toiletries
I always keep my toothbrush and toothpaste in my carry-on. When I wore contact lenses, I also made sure to keep my glasses, solution, and lens case with me. Consider doing the same—even if you don’t like to freshen up during the journey, you’ll be happy you at least have a toothbrush should you face overnight delays.
Important documents
Between your passport and wallet, you probably have everything you need in terms of important documents, especially now that you can keep reservation bookings on your smartphone. That being said, don’t chance it if you have any other valuable documents.
For example, I recently toted a copy of my partner’s birth certificate from New York to Spain. Though I checked a bag, I didn’t chance it. I kept them in a plastic folder in my purse.
High-value items, like jewelry and keepsakes
I’m sure you’re aware that storing high-value items like jewelry and smart tech in your checked luggage is a risk. In the event your luggage is lost or stolen, you’re not likely to see it again—even if you can track your luggage using an AirTag or similar device. But don’t forget that the same goes for keepsakes.
From a personal diary to a lucky charm to a beloved photo, I recommend keeping those items that have a high personal value with you, as well. Remember, you can replace the jewelry (theoretically) or the smart tech, but the same isn’t true for keepsakes.
One spare pair of undies & socks
Just in case you get stuck overnight… or some other disaster befalls you! Enough said.
Wrapped gifts
Here’s my pro tip on what not to pack in a checked bag: too many gifts. Gifts are prone to piquing security’s interest when checked luggage is screened, which could cause your bag to miss its connecting flight, so to speak.
Gifts are sometimes flagged for their odd shapes (ie, they’re a security concern) or their perceived value, which is a mounting concern with current tariffs.
Try to keep your gifts in a carry-on. While security might still flag them, it’s much easier to clear up those questions with a TSA agent in a security line than to wonder why your bag is held up at customs. It’s also handy to have a little list of how much the items cost, which will make the valuation process a lot smoother.
